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Boys

It will be KwaZulu-Natal versus Western Province A for the boys’ u15 title at the 50th Schools Water Polo South Africa (SWPSA) Inter-Provincial Tournament, which is being hosted in Johannesburg.

They meet on Wednesday at 08:35 at King Edward VII in the gold medal game.

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KZN advanced to the final with a couple of comfortable wins. They defeated Central Gauteng B 10-6 in the quarterfinals on Tuesday before cruising to an 11-4 victory over Nelson Mandela Bay in the semi-finals.

Dru Mills and Lincoln Burger led the way, firing in five goals each in the two wins. Mills is second on the goal scoring chart, with 18 to his name. Northerns‘ Franco van der Merwe leads the way with 21.

Western Province A, meanwhile, saw off Northerns A in the quarterfinals, with Nathan Corlett scoring four goals in their 9-3 win.

In the semi-finals, they were given a hard time by the Western Province B team. In the end, though, they moved into the title decider after a 5-2 win.

Western Province B and Nelson Mandela Bay will meet for the bronze medals at 10:45.

Girls

The girls’ final will also be between KwaZulu-Natal A and Western Province A. It takes place at St David’s Marist Inanda‘s Fourvière Pool at 11:45.

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Mary Aylward fired in hat-tricks in both the quarterfinals and semi-finals as KZN bounded into the final in style, defeating Central Gauteng B 10-3 in the last eight, before eking out a nail-biting 9-8 win over Central Gauteng A in the final four.

Western Province A faced a stiff examination from Western Province B, but they came away with an 8-5 win behind Tayla Bosman‘s five goals.

In the semi-finals, WP A also won by only one goal, edging past Buffalo City A 4-3.

KwaZulu-Natal B recorded wins over Buffalo City B and Central Gauteng C, with Frankie Dewe netting five times. She’s top of the goal scoring charts with 13 to her name. Mary Aylward, of the KZN A side, trails her by a single goal.

RESULTS

Boys

QF1: Nelson Mandela Bay 10: Jasper Korver (5), Thomas van Oerle (2), Callum Loftus (1), Benjamin Rutherfoord (1), Carter Olivier (1). Buffalo City 6: Morgan Erasmus (2), Cole Kriedemann (1), Kenneth Makalele (1) Riley Owen (1), Matt Oliver (1).

QF2: Western Province B 6: Jackson Schliemann (2), Liam Ripsold (2), Brodie Pascoe (1), Robert Kirsten (1). Central Gauteng A 4: James Forbes (2), James Simpson (1), Timothy Barbeau (1).

QF3: Western Province A 9: Nathan Corlett (4), Jamie Thomason (2), Lukah Charalambous (2), Adam Maggott (1). Northerns A 3: Franco van der Merwe (2), Stegmann Joone (1).

QF4: KwaZulu-Natal 10: Dru Mills (3), Lincoln Burger (2), Josh Watson (2), Everraud Reynard (1), Cruz Chapman (1), Oliver Hunter (1). Central Gauteng B 6: Cameron Bayly (3), Jonah Teeling-Smith (2), Benjamin Lavery (1).

Zimbabwe 6: Luca Simoes (3), Rio Gray (1), Liam Duff (1), Ewan Burbidge (1). Northerns B 4: Adriaan van Schoor (2), Ryan Opper (1), Kristian Smit (1).

Central Gauteng A 9: Timothy Barbeau (2), Christopher Davidson (2), Adam Houghton (1), Christian Ford (1), Aiden Curtis (1), James Simpson (1), Leo Bruinders (1). Northerns A 4: Franco van der Merwe (2), Stegmann Joone (1), Matthew Reis (1).

Central Gauteng B 6: Jonah Teeling-Smith (4), Alexander Carle (1), Cameron Bayly (1). Buffalo City 5: Morgan Erasmus (2), Cole Kriedemann (1), Matt Olivier (1), Kenneth Makelele (1).

Eden Districts 5: Jake Wood (3), Shiloh Davidson (1), Heinrich Smit (1). Northerns B 2: Stephanus Janse van Rensburg (1), Michiel Smit (1).

SF 1: Western Province A 5: Ben Teubes (2), Ross Briers-Danks (2), Adam Maggott (1). Western Province B 2: Cole Breytenbach (2).

SF2: KwaZulu-Natal 11: Lincoln Burger (3), Dru Mills (2), Casey Marks (2), Everraud Raynard (1), Finn Mallett (1), Josh Watson (1), Carter Seiler (1). Nelson Mandela Bay 4: Jasper Korver (1), Benjamin Rutherfoord (1), Thomas van Oerle (1), Caleb Horne (1).

Zimbabwe 6 (2): Ben Lashbrook (2), Luca Simoes (2), Preston Caple (1), Joshua Whaley (1). Eden Districts 6 (1): Jake Wood (2), Daniel Pharaoh (1), Max Bubanj (1), Joseph Ingel (1), Heinrich Smit (1).

Girls

KwaZulu-Natal B 4: Jenae Smith (1), Casey Huntley (1), Frankie Dewe (1), Jessica Commins (1). Buffalo City B 3: Milani Mlanga (2), Isobel Botha (1).

QF: Buffalo City A 9: Bailey Lake (2), Emily Hattingh (2), Kate van Biljon (2), Kirsty Ikin (1), Jodi Carr (1), Hannah Hattingh (1). Nelson Mandela Bay 4: Lily Collins (2), Danica Smith (1), Hayleigh Frame (1).

Central Gauteng A 5 (3): Kristen Bratby (2), Megan Crossley (2), Samantha van Hille (1). Zimbabwe 5 (1): Lexie Kaschula (2), Kiah Smyth (1), Chloe Winsor (1), Hannah Harvey Davies (1).

Western Province A 8: Tayla Bosman (4), Eva Turrell (1), Aryana Cloete-Hopkins (1), Emma Webber (1), Tylah Johannes (1). Western Province B 5: Sierra Courtney (4), Aimee Muller (1).

KwaZulu-Natal 10: Mary Aylward (3) Jemima Parry (2), Mikaela Russell (2), Leah Kent (2), London Remley (1). Central Gauteng B 3: Erin Boyd (1), Megan Slattery (1), Melissa Mussett (1).

KwaZulu-Natal B 12: Frankie Dewe (4), Sarah Uys (3), Alexis Otto (1), Taylor Foster (1), Jessica Meekin (1), Madison Love (1), Jessica Commins (1). Central Gauteng C 4: Sara Hutton (2), Oagile Tema (2).

Buffalo City B 7: Rebecca Barnard (3), Madison Klopstra (3), Khloe Hurn (1). Eastern Gauteng 2: Chloe Regnard (2).

Nelson Mandela Bay 9: Alexandra Miller (2), Bella de Villiers (2), Hayleigh Frame (1), Kyla-Linke Seyffert (1), Lily Collins (1), Danica Smith (1), Samantha Phillips (1). Western Province B 8: Sierra Courtney (3), Aimee Muller (2), Tiegan Johnson (1), Abigail Jacobs (1), Freya Hirst (1).

Zimbabwe 4 (1): Lola Accorsi (2), Kristin Jones (1), Meghan Edwards (1). Central Gauteng B 4 (0): Jade Ferreira (3), Olivia Quaker (1).

SF1: Western Province A 4: Ruby Lamb (1), Tayla Bosman (1), Isabella Batistich (1), Shella Nortje (1). Buffalo City A 3: Kate van Biljon (2), Hannah Hattingh (1).

SF2: KwaZulu-Natal A 9: Mary Aylward (3), Leah Kent (2), Mikayla Morrison (1), Olivia Gaines (1), Anri Human (1), Vida Le Meme (1). Central Gauteng A 8: Alexis James (3), Kristen Bratby (1), Michaela Sampson (1), Kelsey Meth (1), Megan Crossley (1), Lily Barlow (1).

KwaZulu-Natal B 7: Frankie Dewe (2), Akabongwe Sibeta (2), Alexis Otto (1), Taylor Foster (1), Madison Love (1). Eastern Gauteng 2: Chloe Regnard (2).

Buffalo City B 12: Isobel Botha (3), Madison Klopstra (2), Tyler-Jade Roebert (2), Gabriella De Sousa (1), Leah Smith (1), Milani Mlanga (1), Joeke van Zyl (1), one scorer missing. Central Gauteng C 4: Sara Hutton (2), Oagile Tema (2).

SA Rugby has standardised the age at which tackling is permitted for young players. It will result in children in the u5 to u8 age groups participating exclusively in non-contact forms of the game, such as TAG and Touch Rugby.

Full contact and tackle rugby will start in the u9 age group, following a structured and standardised “Confidence and Safety in Contact” programme, which will be introduced during the second half of the u8 season to build foundational skills, such as falling, rolling, wrestling, and absorbing contact, as well as forming part of a six-week pre-season readiness block before the start of the u9 rugby programme.

“South Africa is currently the only major rugby nation without a clearly defined age at which children may begin tackling,” said Clint Readhead, General Manager of SA Rugby’s Medical Department.

“With more than 400 000 primary school players – one of the largest youth rugby bases in the world – this gap has created inconsistency, safety risks, and confusion across provinces, schools, clubs, and academies.

“The support from Exco for the proposal marks a decisive step towards ensuring player safety, protecting development pathways, and establishing a uniform national framework.”

This framework aligns with international best practice and models unions such as the Blue Bulls, who have already implemented the strategy. This approach has demonstrated that delaying tackling, while prioritising fun and fundamental skills’ development, enhances safety and encourages young players to stay in the game and long-term player performance.

The proposal was developed by a special SA Rugby task team, established in 2024, with a mandate to determine the safest, developmentally appropriate point at which South African children should begin tackling.

“We are excited to finally have a tackle age aligned across the rugby ecosystem in South Africa,” said Ian Schwartz, General Manager of SA Rugby’s Participation and Development Department.

“It will be enforced system-wide – schools, clubs, associate members, and non-affiliated rugby organisations working with youth. Ultimately, it’s about Long-Term Player Development (LTPD) and player safety: preparing young players for contact to prevent injuries, retain passion, and build a sustainable rugby pathway.”

Noël Ingle, whose term as Chairperson of the SA Schools Rugby Association (SASRA) recently came to an end, welcomed the introduction of a standardised tackle age and structured introductory programme focussing on confidence and safety in contact.

“The Task Team drew on medical and scientific expertise, comparative research, international benchmarks, and broad stakeholder consultation, including extensive surveys among primary school coaches,” said Ingle.

“Survey results showed overwhelming support for a standardised national approach, with 91 percent of respondents calling for clear guidelines on introducing contact and 65 percent endorsing the establishment of a minimum tackle age.”

The proposal also mandates enhanced coach education, requiring all primary school and youth coaches to complete a suite of World Rugby and BokSmart online certifications, including Tackle Ready, Breakdown Ready, and Tackle Height Change Education. All supporting materials will be made available on the SA Rugby website in 2026.

Compulsory implementation of the standard tackle age across all youth rugby and amateur rugby structures will commence in 2026.

Issued by SA Rugby Communications

Monday’s matches in the u19 girls’ division of the 50th Schools Water Polo South Africa (SWPSA) Inter-Provincial Tournament (IPT) produced thrilling encounters that kept fans and spectators on the edge of their seats.

Catch the action LIVE on SuperSport Schools

Not even four hours of heavy rain was enough to dampen the quality of the competition.

The first half of the matches were played at St Stithians College but, with lightning in the air, the remainder were completed at the Wahoo Aquatic Complex, in Sunninghill.

The afternoon tie between Central Gauteng B and KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) spanned more than five hours. The heavens opened up when they were in the fourth chukka and did not let up until later in the day, thus forcing the teams to take a break.

The disruption left everyone following the contest on tenterhooks, keen to see how that tightly contested affair would end.

Coach Siyabonga Guzana‘s Central Gauteng B side produced a masterclass in defence to deny KZN’s attempts to sneak ahead. When KZN made incisions, they found themselves face to face with Gauteng B’s superb goalkeepers, Kuhle Buthelezi and Meegan Zomero, who denied KZN goals on multiple occasions.

When the enforced break occurred, Central Gauteng B was leading 10-7. They went on to secure an 11-9 win.

“From the very first whistle, the girls were fired up and determined. Their energy never dipped, and they followed our game plan for the full match, even with the weather delays,” Guzana said.

“I couldn’t be prouder of the way they came together and fought as a team.”

That win was the first of two victories for Central Gauteng B on Monday. They also beat Zimbabwe 15-4 in the final fixture of the day, which left them in second place in Group B.

Earlier in the day, the tournament favourites, Central Gauteng A, were given a stern examination by Nelson Mandela Bay. Coach Delaine Mentoor’s charges surprised the local side by racing into a 3-0 lead in the first half.

“We didn’t expect this one to be tight,” Mentoor admitted to SuperSport Schools Plus, “but we knew that if we stuck to our game plan, things would fall into place, and they did.

“They beat their opponents by 20 goals, so we knew that defence was key.”

Nelson Mandela Bay, who had edged out their Eastern Cape rivals, Buffalo City, 9-8 on Sunday, stayed true to their style and frustrated Central Gauteng A.

During their halftime team talk, Central Gauteng A’s coach, Kelsey Thomson, told her charges that “they were creating the opportunities in the water, but they have to want to finish them”.

She also reiterated the need for full dedication to defence and encouraged her players to trust their instincts on attack. The defending champions played with renewed confidence and determination in the second half, which enabled them to overturn the 0-3 deficit and register a 6-4 win.

“They were chuffed that they were able to adapt to a pressure situation, and it spoke a lot about all the teamwork it took to come back to the lead,” Thomson commented.

The win meant that Central Gauteng A maintained a clean record in the group stage, going three for three.

Despite their hard-fought loss to the hosts, Nelson Mandela Bay had overachieved, and they carried confidence from that fixture into their match against Western Province B. In another thrilling encounter, Mentoor’s ladies triumphed 11-9, which secured them a second-place finish in Group A.

The day witnessed a single blow-out. Western Province A, who are in scintillating form, posted the biggest win of the tournament by firing 28 unanswered goals past Northerns.

Coach Connor Whiting’s charges, like Central Gauteng A, remain unbeaten in the competition, with their record standing at four wins from four outings.

They will face their compatriots, Western Province B, in the first of the cross-pool matches on Tuesday morning at 08:15. Central Gauteng A, who finished at the summit of Pool A, will cross swords with Zimbabwe immediately afterwards.

RESULTS

Southern Gauteng A 6: Emma Pelicot (3), Emily Carle (1), Cadha Mosehla (1), Caitlin Scrimgeour (1). Nelson Mandela Bay 4: Alexandra Ovendale (1), Mia Jenner (1), Lucy Rutherfoord (1), Olivia Attwell (1).

Western Province A 28: Bella Murray (5), Kirsten Böttger (5), Holly Strydom (4), Julia Luckhoff (4), Kelly Cadiz (3), Emma Stevens (2), Charlotte Wiltshire (2), Jade Jarvis (1), Summer-Lee Wain (1), Sarah Palframan (1). Northerns 0.

Buffalo City 12 (3): Janey-Heather Wood (3), Erin Batting (2), Megan Phillips (2), Kara Batting (2), Caroline Kretzmann (1), Meka Loots (1), Quinn Carr (1). Western Province B 12 (2): Olivia Figaji (4), Jemma Pearse (3), Samantha Miller (2), Lauren Helm (1), Holly Binneman (1), Tess Anderson (1).

Central Gauteng B 11: Isabella Duffy (4), Ambrin McEwan (2), Mia Duffy (1), Iminathi Njokwana (1), Annabelle Morton (1), Ané du Plessis (1). KwaZulu-Natal 9 Inge Southey (4), Inez Letschert (3), Hannah Savage (2).

Western Province A 15: Holly Strydom (4), Kirsten Böttger (3), Kelly Cadiz (2), Summer-Lee Wain (1), Sophie Vickers (1), Sarah Palframan (1), Julia Luckhoff (1), Emma Stevens (1), Charlotte Wiltshire (1). Zimbabwe 5: Taya Gray (2), Amelie Mtongwiza (2), Iliyah Afzal (1).

Nelson Mandela Bay 11L Jessica Stevens (2), Olivia Attwell (2), Mia Jenner (1), Anna Olivier (1), Casey Williamson (1), Megan Sheard (1), Elizabeth Horn (1), Alexandra Ovendale (1), Jessi Whitebooi (1). Western Province B 9: Samantha Miller (2), Jemma Pearse (2), Olivia Figaji (1), Samantha Nimb (1), Lauren Helm (1), Tess Anderson (1), Nina Wides (1).

KwaZulu-Natal 25: Hannah Savage (4), Gemma Malherbe (4), Farran Eliot (3), Inez Letschert (3), Josie Houston (3), Bailey Bartlett (2), Lara Mervis (2), Isabella Stephenson (1), Keira Sim (1), Erin Mayoss (1), Inge Southey (1). Northerns 4: Emma Davis (2), Gabriella Grobbelaar (1), Danél Schoeman (1).

Central Gauteng B 15: Rylee Rogers (3), Annabelle Morton (3), Esmé du Plessis (2), Mia Duffy (2), Isabella Duffy (2), Iminathi Njokwana (1), Anna Springer (1), Ané du Plessis (1). Zimbabwe 4: Natasha Chaniwa (2), Katie Gripper (1), Jodie Bawden (1).

Monday, the final day of the 2025 CSA Boys u17 Rural Week, was arguably the tournament’s best day. Rather than the 20-over format that had been employed up until then, the last of the playoff matches took place over 50 overs.

As a result of that, the day also delivered the lone century of the tournament and its sole six-for. Meanwhile, Boland and Limpopo battled it out for the title.

Throughout the event, the bowlers had dominated, yet Limpopo chose to bat first when the toss went their way. That proved to be a costly decision as just over 10 overs into their innings they had stumbled to a miserable 22/6.

Coming in at eight, after everyone above him had failed to make more than single figure contributions, Luhan Drotskie produced the innings’ top score of 24. It took him 46 balls and included a four and a six.

The going was extremely slow, but, after 40.1 overs, Limpopo was all out for just 73. They had done themselves no favours by losing three batsmen to run outs.

Each of the first three bowlers used by Boland picked up two wickets each. Bryan Cochrane bowled the maximum 10 overs and claimed 2/19, while it took Therenzo Jacobs five overs to bag his 2/15.

Adriaan Krynauw ended the Limpopo innings when he bowled tail-ender Dumisani Negwenya on the first ball of the 41st over. He finished with 2/7 from 4.1 overs.

Much like Limpopo’s innings, Boland’s reply was littered with single digit scores, with only one batsman making it beyond that, but Daniel Adonis‘s knock was the difference between victory and defeat.

He compiled an unbeaten 39 from 87 balls, hitting only one four, to guide Boland to 74/8 after 26.5 overs and to victory by just two wickets.

Tiaan Haasbroek made life difficult for the Capetonians, capturing 4/10 in six overs, while AJ Galloway returned 2/22 in six. It wasn’t quite enough to prevent Boland from taking the title, however. They also finished the event as the lone unbeaten side.

The day’s sole century and six-for came from Eastern Province players in their fifth-place playoff match against North West, which was also the Plate final.

Opening the batting, Enrique Strydom amassed 12 fours and three sixes in his outstanding 119 runs off 130 deliveries, which helped Eastern Province to the highest total of the tournament, 278/9. The consistent Keagan Jattiem played his part with 55.

Then, thanks to Muhammad Yaseem Kazi’s phenomenal 6/14 in 5.1 overs, Eastern Province was able to better the biggest win of the tournament, beating their previous 154-run win over Kei on Sunday by inflicting a 157-run loss on North West after bowling them out for only 121 after 30.5 overs.

Eastern Province may have placed fifth, but they were the only team in the tournament to win three of their five matches by more than 100 runs.

The Lions struggled to get going in their third-place playoff against Northern Cape, with the top three in their batting order all going out for three.

The next two players to the crease, Bokamoso Bantjie and Declan Steinmann, put an end to that trend, adding a hasty 50 off 35 balls in their fourth-wicket partnership.

Bantjie weighed in with 33 off 39, while Steinmann contributed two sixes and a four in his rapid 20 off 14.

After only 24.1 overs, however, Gauteng had been limited to 90 all out.

Northern Cape batted patiently in their run chase, scoring at only 2.7 runs per over, but, after 35.3 overs, they reached 96/8 to claim a two-wicket win.

Ruan Esterhuizen, batting at eight, carried the Northern Cape to victory with an unbeaten 41 off 74 balls.

KZN Coastal versus Kei for seventh place was the only game of the day that finished with all 20 wickets being taken.

Batting first, KZN Coastal mustered just 67 all out, with Gift Banda‘s 16 their best effort.

There were some strong performances from the Kei bowlers, with Bulumko Didi knocking over 4/13 in 6.4 overs, while Luthando Gwazela secured 3/15 in seven.

Coastal’s 67 didn’t appear to be enough, but Eastern Province had skittled Kei for only 22 on Sunday and, once again, batting proved to be Kei’s downfall.

Their opener, Liso Mfisi, provided the match’s top score of 18 off 43 deliveries, but Kei totalled only 52 all out, leaving KZN Coastal the winners by 15 runs.

Sahl Peerbhay dominated with 4/13 in nine overs, while Jordan Gopaul racked up four maidens in his miserly 3/5 from six overs.

In the Shield final, for ninth place overall, the Free State’s Zander Fourie struck 43 off 65, which included four fours, against the Eastern Cape Iinyathi.

Fourie had entered the fray at 14/3, but his crucial innings helped Free State to reach triple figures, just. They ended on 104 all out.

The Iinyathi’s Akhanya Bontsi and Akhona Ntlathi saved their best performances for last. Bontsi returned the tidy figures of 3/5 from five overs. Ntlathi, meanwhile, wrapped up the innings by collecting 3/8 from 3.4 overs as the Free State effort was halted after 31.4 overs.

In reply, the Eastern Cape side struggled. Three of their top seven batsmen were removed without scoring.

Batting at nine, Zingce Poni provided a late spark, cracking three fours and a six in his 23 off 18, but the Iinyathi didn’t have enough in the tank and were dismissed for 81.

Liam Singleton and Dumisani Johnson ensured the chase lasted only 17.2 overs. Singleton snapped up 4/16 in six overs, while Johnson chipped in with 4/36.

In the 11th-place playoff, Armand Kotze‘s 54 off 74 got Mpumalanga off to a strong start against KZN Inland. Andries Coetzer was forced to retire hurt, but not before he had contributed a useful 43 runs off 70 balls.

Sanele Mabote and Hendré Nel both scored 33, but in vastly different manners. Mabote took 77 balls to get there while Nel went in with guns blazing, striking two sixes and a four in his 20-ball stay.

After their 50 overs were up, Mpumalanga had tallied 246/8.

Janko Hatting was the only Inland bowler to claim multiple wickets, acquiring 2/40 across eight overs.

Inland’s reply lasted only 30.4 overs and brought them just 101 all out. Devon Earle stubbornly resisted, making 32, but four other batsmen barely made it into the teens, and the rest recorded single figure scores.

Fezile Mthombeni claimed some important wickets, picking up 2/26 in five overs, but Adil Larya stole the show. He averaged a wicket every four deliveries in an incredible return of 4/7 from 2.4 overs.

Summarised Scorecards

Limpopo 73/10 (Luhan Drotskie 24; Adriaan Krynauw 2/7, Therenzo Jacobs 2/15, Bryan Cochrane 2/19); Boland 74/8 (Daniel Adonis 39; Tiaan Haasbroek 4/10, AJ Galloway 2/22). Boland won by two wickets.

Lions 90/10 (Bokamoso Bantjie 33, Declan Steinmann 20; Senzo Fillies 2/1, Liam Laing 2/15, Schalk Human 2/25); Northern Cape 96/8 (Ruan Esterhuizen 41*, Extras 26; Milan Nel 3/11). Northern Cape won by two wickets.

Eastern Province 278/9 (Enrique Strydom 119, Keagan Jattiem 55, Extras 26, Herman le Roux 23; Ayaan Chaudhary 4/50, Divan Lombard 2/68); North West 121/10 (André Dreyer 42, Isah Bulbulia 26, Extras 24; Muhammad Yaseem Kazi 6/14, Ruan Nel 2/18). Eastern Province won by 157 runs.

KZN Coastal 67/10 (Bulumko Didi 4/13, Luthando Gwazela 3/15); Kei 52/10 (Sahl Peerbhay 4/13, Jordan Gopaul 3/5, Shivaar Sivpersad 2/25). KZN Coastal won by 15 runs.

Free State 104/10 (Zander Fourie 43, Extras 20; Akhanya Bontsi 3/5, Akhona Ntlathi 3/8); Eastern Cape Iinyathi 81/10 (Zingce Poni 23, Extras 20; Liam Singleton 4/16, Dumisani Johnson 4/36). Free State won by 23 runs.

Mpumalanga 246/8 (Armand Kotze 54, Andries Coetzer 43*, Extras 38, Hendré Nel 33, Sanele Mabote 33; Janko Hatting 2/40); KZN Inland 101/10 (Devon Earle 32; Adil Larya 4/7, Fezile Mthombeni 2/26). Mpumalanga won by 145 runs.

Boys

Only two teams remain undefeated as the boys’ u16 division of the Schools Water Polo South Africa Inter-Provincial Tournament heads into the playoffs on Tuesday at St John’s College, in Johannesburg.

Catch the action LIVE on SuperSport Schools

Western Province A, loaded with a star-studded line-up, are four from four after romping to a 16-3 win over Central Gauteng B and a 14-7 victory over Western Province B on Monday.

They’re the tournament’s top scorers thus far, averaging 16 goals a game, with James Swart topping all scorers, too, with 15.

While Province A finished top of Group A, KwaZulu-Natal claimed first place in Group B, and their clean run included a 10-7 win over Central Gauteng A on Monday in the biggest game of the group stage of the competition.

Max Mills, their top scorer, was again to the fore, striking four times. KZN also downed Nelson Mandela Bay 9-4, with Mills adding another three goals to his personal tally.

Central Gauteng A finished second in Group B, with that defeat to KZN their only loss, while Buffalo City claimed second in Group A.

Tuesday’s playoff matches begin at 08:00 at St John’s with Northerns tackling Western Province A in the first quarterfinal. At 08:55, it’s Central Gauteng B versus KZN in the second quarterfinal.

There’s an Eastern Cape derby in quarterfinal three, at 09:50, between Nelson Mandela Bay and Buffalo City, before the home side, Central Gauteng A, faces Western Province B in the last of the quarterfinals at 10:45.

Girls

In the girls’ competition, being played at Kingsmead College, Central Gauteng A and Western Province A topped their groups, with Central Gauteng A behind KZN A by only one goal on goal difference in Group A. When they met on Sunday, the home team won a thriller 9-8.

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Matters went a lot more smoothly on Monday, with Central Gauteng A thumping Northerns 17-2 before beating Western Province B 12-6.

Western Province A, meanwhile, was made to work extremely hard for a 7-5 win over Nelson Mandela Bay, who ended up finishing bottom of Group B. It wasn’t easy against Zimbabwe either, with Province winning by two goals again, 9-7.

KZN won more emphatically, beating Eden Districts 9-4 before blanking Northerns 13-0.

Group A runners-up, Buffalo City, beat Central Gauteng B 8-6 in their lone outing.

There’s an 08:00 start on Tuesday, with Central Gauteng A facing Central Gauteng B in the first of the quarterfinals. That theme of regional rivalry is repeated in the second quarterfinal at 08:55, when Western Province A takes on Western Province B.

At 09:50, it’s Zimbabwe versus KwaZulu-Natal the third last eight clash, and Eden Districts goes up against Buffalo City in the last of the quarterfinals at 10:45.

RESULTS

Boys

Western Province A 16: Noah Reiback (4), Harrison Ford (3), James Swart (3), Luca Orgill (2), Kieran Bennewith (2), Zack Labuschagne (2). Central Gauteng B 3: Adam Duffy (2), Joshua Dobrowsky (1).

Nelson Mandela Bay 11: Christian Horne (2), Colby Braun (2), Liam Nurse (2), Caleb Levey (2), Ryan Venter (1), Zak Brand (1), Liam Garrett (1). Northerns 3: Ryan Fuller-Good (1), Christoper Jansen van Vuuren (1), Wikus Burger (1).

Buffalo City 12: Riley Cook (4), Nathan Wiese (3), Joshua Talbot (2), William Schaefer (1), Michael Miller (1), Blake Abrams (1), Western Province B 9: Pieter Aucamp (2), Matthew Robinson (2), Jack Grout (2), Logan Petersen (1), Oliver Finlayson (1), Christo le Roux (1).

KwaZulu-Natal 10: Max Mills (4), Bradley van Loggerenberg (3), Daniel Nothard (1), Jake Frederic (1) Jed Reilly (1). Central Gauteng A 7: Ethan Baty (3), Nathan Mansfield (2), Blake Morton (1), Fedor Sadovnik (1).

Central Gauteng B 11: Adam Duffy (5), Ethan Bennett (3), Cameron White (2), Bart Dorrenstein-Rowley (1). Zimbabwe 6: Dwayne Chiyangwa (2), Daniel Hutchings (2), Samuel Tivadar (1), Johnathan Bird (1).

Northerns A 12: Liam Freeman (4), Jacque Dippenaar (3), Christopher Jansen van Vuuren (2), Robert Erasmus (1), Gunther Taute (1), Wikus Burger (1). Northerns B 1: Alex Stedall (1).

Western Province A 14: James Swart (4), Noah Reiback (3), Riley Clarke (2), Zach Labuschagne (2), Kieran Bennewith (1), Harrison Ford (1), Luca Orgill (1). Western Province B 7: Jack Grout (2), Christo le Roux (2), Matthew Cox (1), Oliver Finlayson (1), Ryan Dales (1).

KwaZulu-Natal 9: Max Mills (3), Jed Reilly (2), James Whatmore (1), Ben Watson (1), Nabil Bejia (1), Henry Harker (1). Nelson Mandela Bay 4: Benn Jorgensen (1), Christian Horne (1), Zak Brand (1), Liam Nurse (1).

Buffalo City 11: Nathan Wiese (4), Joshua Talbot (2), Nico van de Venter (2), Riley Cook (1), William Schaefer (1), Longe Deliwe (1). Zimbabwe 7: Samuel Tividar (2), Johnathan Bird (2), Daniel Hutchings (2), Christian Smith (1).

Central Gauteng A 14: Blake Morton (4), Ethan Baty (3), Nathan Mansfield (2), Trent Horn (1), Rupert Schonborn (1), Muhammad Bodiat (1), Matthew Nash (1), Giorgio Ferreira (1). Northerns B 2: Noah Strydom (1), Alex Stedall (1).

Girls

KwaZulu-Natal 9: Jazlyn Moolman (2), Jessica Bosman (2), Lia Jansen van Rensburg (1), Layla Dinsdale (1), Maggy Matthews (1), Amy Aaron (1), Lorna Kernahan (1). Eden Districts 4: Mia Gibson (2), Cate Harrison (1), Tatum Dace (1).

Western Province A 7: Sarah Lowndes (2), Joy Waller (2), Yashoda Middleton (1), Jessica Bester (1), Carolyn Lord (1). Nelson Mandela Bay 5: Michaela Blaine (2), Jasmine Apps (1), Gina Lindhorst (1), Sarah Whitehead (1).

Central Gauteng A 17: Charlotte Jolley (4), June Stander (3), Hannah van Heerden (2), Taylor Dukes (2), Jessica McCamlie (2), Keira Holland (1), Reabiloe Kodisang (1), Amy Calogordis (1), Jessica Boamgard (1). Northerns 2: Megan Bergh (1), Carina van Schoor (1).

Buffalo City 8: Kayden Glasgow (3), Jorja Linke (3), Abigail Tesmer (1), Kate Booyens (1). Central Gauteng B 6: Gabriella Lorban (4), Jaime Napier (1), Gemma Caminsky (1).

Eden Districts 7: Rosslyn Squair (3), Mia Gibson (2), Cate Harrison (1), Tatum Dace (1). Western Province B 6: Jessica Gray (2), Skye Priede (2), Erin Willard (1), Isla Roos (1).

Western Province A 9: Carolyn Lord (3), Micha Danilewitz (2), Joy Waller (2), Yashoda Middleton (2), Nina Bakker (1), Zimbabwe 7: Mazvitaishe Zuze (3), Kaylynn Dick (2), Tiana Myburgh (1), Tiffany Small (1).

KwaZulu-Natal 13: Lia Janse van Rensburg (3), Lara Nel (3), Amy Aaron (2), Jazlyn Moolman (2), Lorna Kernahan (1), Jessica Bosman (1), Layla Dinsdale (1). Northerns 0.

Central Gauteng B 7: Gemma Caminsky (3), Emma Harmzen (2), Jaime Napier (1), Kiera Doyle (1). Nelson Mandela Bay 4: Jasmine Apps (2), Emily de Witt (1), Sarah Whitehead (1).

Central Gauteng A 12: Jessica McCamlie (3), Keira Holland (2), Charlotte Jolley (2), June Stander (2), Georgia van der Walt (1), Amy Calogridis (1), Jessica Boamgard (1). Western Province B 6: Skye Priede (2), Erin Willard (1), Jorja Turner (1), Jessica Gray (1), Isla Roos (1).

With 18 boys’ teams and 18 girls’ teams, no division of the Schools Water Polo South Africa (SWPSA) Inter-Provincial Tournament is bigger than the u13 age group, and it heads into the playoffs on Tuesday after a very busy Monday.

Boys

When the dust had settled on the boys’ group stage games at St David’s Marist Inanda on Monday evening, Western Province A was alone atop Pool A.

Western Province B emulated their provincial compatriots by also bagging three wins out of three to finish first in Pool B, while Central Gauteng C showed off the home province’s depth by rattling off five wins without defeat in Pool C. Boland, meanwhile, went for four in Pool D to take top spot.

Western Province B claimed a prized scalp on Monday, winning 6-3 against Central Gauteng A. Province A pounded Nelson Mandela Bay A 13-3 behind six goals from Matthew Skeeles, while KZN A pummelled Zimbabwe A 23-2, with Mphilo Khomo netting six times, and Evan Halstead and Troy Botha five times each.

There’s an early start on Tuesday, with the first quarterfinal, between Central Gauteng B and KZN A, scheduled for 07:00.

At 07:45, Central Gauteng A tackles Nelson Mandela Bay A in the second quarterfinal, with Western Province A and Buffalo City A squaring off in the third quarterfinal at 08:30, and Province B facing KZN B in the last of the quarterfinal games at 09:15.

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Girls

After the completion of the girls’ group stage games at St Stithians College, Western Province A and Central Gauteng A maintained undefeated records.

Behind the prolific Sarah Mocke‘s six goals, Province A trounced Nelson Mandela Bay A 13-3 in their lone outing on Monday. The hosts, meanwhile, were idle.

Central Gauteng B finished first in Pool C, while KZN B won all four of their games to finish first in Pool D.

Tuesday’s matches begin with the first quarterfinal at 08:00, between Buffalo City A and KZN A. It’s followed by the last eight clash between Western Province B and Eastern Gauteng A at 08:45. Then, at 09:30, it’s Western Province A vs KZN B in the third semi-final, and Central Gauteng A takes on Nelson Mandela Bay A in the last of the semis at 10:15.

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RESULTS

Boys

Zimbabwe B 10: Kudzwai Chitsurura (2), John Muringisi (2), Simphiwe Njenga (2), Daniel Evans (1), Ricky Davidson (1), Dominic Hutchings (1), Huge Ferreira (1). Northerns B 4: Johann du Toit (1), Lucca Gomes (1), Michael Stedall (1), Reuben Pienaar (1).

Central Gauteng C 8: Xavi Barber-Luna (2), Jono Cheek (1), Riley Badsha-Eybers (1), Dylan Mackay (1), Kade David (1), Alexander De Matteis (1), Callum van Reenen (1). Nelson Mandela Bay B 3: Rogan Barrat (2), Callum Davis-Taylor (1).

Western Province A 13: Matthew Skeeles (6), Jake du Plessis (4), Sebastian Iles (2), Stuart McEvoy (1). Nelson Mandela Bay A 3: Josh Parker (2), Axl Jorgensen (1).

Zimbabwe A 9: Mason Granger (3), Andile Sibanda (2), Taylor Hendricks (2), Anotidaishe Masvaure (1), Matthew Wishart (1). Buffalo City B 8: Devan Govender (3), Liam Priem (2), James Wiltshire (2), Jacob Smit (1).

Northerns A 20: Gianni Jansen van Vuuren (4), Liam Nortje (3), Reuben Burger (3), Helmuth Bothma (2), Kwame Quagraine (1), Keenan Pienaar (1), Nathan de Wet (1), Robert Noonan (1), Oliver Leathem (1), three scorers missing. Eastern Gauteng B 1: Sandilesizwe Mazibuko (1).

Zimbabwe B 12: Dominic Hutchings (4), Simphiwe Njenge (2), Daniel Evans (2), Ricky Davidson (1), Anayasha Chingwena (1), Kudzwai Chitsurura (1), John Muringisi (1). Eastern Gauteng 5: Alex Peens (2), Jaxon Odgers (2), Gianluca Kilfoil (1).

Western Province B 6: Gus Cloete (2), Jack McEwen (1), Oliver Vickers (1), Charles Dingley (1), Joshua Chambers (1). Central Gauteng A 3: Renzo Ferrari (2), Marco Protti (1).

Central Gauteng C 10: Dylan Mackay (2), Grayson Williams (2), Alexander De Matteis (1), Callum van Reenen (1), Xavi Barber-Luna (1), Jono Cheek (1), Max Bell (1), Riley Badsha-Eybers (1). Eden Districts 2: Rhoderick Simpson (1), Haitham Hawkins-Badat (1).

Boland 13: Dax Henn (3), Sam Dekker (3), Paul Harris (2), Maddox Richardson (1), Tristan van Rensburg (1), Nicolas Coolen (1), Luca Olivier (1), Johannes Muller (1). Zimbabwe A 6: Matthew Wishart (3), Darren Njowola, Luke Ridley (1), Daniel Williams (1).

Eastern Gauteng A 12: Finley Miller (3), Alex Peens (2), Gianluca Kilfoil (2), Matteo Kilfoil (2), Jason Odgers (1), Nikaar Sing (1), Hunter Botes (1). Northerns B 5: Tyron Naudé (2), Lucca Gomes (2), Reuben Pienaar (1).

KwaZulu-Natal A 23: Mphilo Khomo (6), Evan Halstead (5), Troy Botha (5), Benjamin Raubenheimer (2), Elvis Peltz (2), Benjamin Uys (1), Noah Deeb (1), Malakai Seppings (1), Zimbabwe A 2: Mason Granger (2).

Nelson Mandela Bay A 12: Josh Parker (4), Evan Holster (2), Levi Oakes (2), Ithiel Harry (2), Matthew Lokotech (1), Thomas Everts (1). Eden Districts 4: Jordan Meiring (2), Keagan Godfrey (2).

Buffalo City A 11: Zizezakho Ncangisa (4), Murray Rance (2), Nathan Stead (2), Connor Powell (1), Joel Kruger (1), Brody Schemel (1). Boland 8: Sam Dekker (2), Maddox Richardson (2), Tristan van Rensburg (1), Johannes Muller (1), Alexander Wetzl (1), Nicolas Coolen (1).

KwaZulu-Natal B 7: Mason Mammotte (3), James Gaddi (2), Sloan Barnard (1), Andrew Blackwood (1). Central Gauteng B 6: Riley Basha-Eybers (2), Alexander De Matteis (2), Dylan Mackay (1), Grayson Williams (1).

Girls

Nelson Mandela B 17: Lily Mao-Cheia (6), Lily-Grace Anderson (4), Jessica Scott (4), Erin Burrell (2), Kaitlyn Hall (1). Eastern Gauteng B 2: Gabriela Khoury (2).

Boland 16: Josephine van Wyk (4), Sophia Boustred (4), Gabriella Dewey (2), Jessica Rose-Innes (2), Georgia Schroeder (1), Vittoria Maniora (1), Layla Roux (1), Sarah Knott-Craig (1). Northerns 2: Cara Bedeker (2).

Western Province A 13: Sarah Mocke (6), Lila-Harper Pinkham (3), Milla Morris (1), Emilie Conradie (1), Abigail Turner (1), Khloe Brown (1). Nelson Mandela Bay A 3: Mataiah Smith (1), Sophia Duggan (1), Rosalie Holderness (1).

KwaZulu-Natal B 7: Kylie Schoeman (2), Emily Kriel (2), Tatum van der Merwe (1), Olivia Staphorst (1, Karo Groenewald (1). Eden Districts 3: Emma Hunter (2), Ashley Mthethwa (1).

KwaZulu-Natal A 10: Olivia Botha (3), Camryn Howarth (2), Juliette Brown (2), Seneme Chiuluvane (2), Sophie Rosenberg (1). Zimbabwe A 5: Acacia Watson (2), Elizabeth Miller (1), Hannah Pringle (1), Mazvita Makamure (1).

Central Gauteng B 4: Sophia Crawford (2), Zara Goeller (1), Imitha Xolo (1). Boland 2: Sarah Knott-Craig (1), Sophia Boustred (1).

Central Gauteng C 5: Qaqambe Mbangcolo (2), Dylanne Prevost (1), Keira Gordon-Bennett (1), Blye Mitchell (1). Nelson Mandela Bay B 3: Lily Mao-Cheia (3).

Zimbabwe B 6: Rebecca Martin (2), Zoe Charlton (1), Sarah O’Brien (1), Bo Butcher (1), Lexi Love (1). Buffalo City B 3: Riley Thompson (3).

Eastern Gauteng A 7: Megan Els (4), Taylor-Rose Botes (2), Tshegofatso Moabelo (1). Zimbabwe B 3: Divya Chauhan (2), Ruvarashe Dombodzvuku (1).

KwaZulu-Natal A 3: Sophie Rosenberg (1), Olivia Botha (1), Alexa Engelbrecht (1). Central Gauteng C 2: Dylanne Prevost (1), Blye Mitchell (1).

KwaZulu-Natal B 7: Kylie Schoeman (2), Olivia Stephorst (2), Karo Groenewald (2), Emily Kriel (1). Zimbabwe A 5: Mazvita Makamure (2), Georgia D’Aquino (1), Acacia Watson (1), Hannah Pringle (1).

Nelson Mandela Bay A 10: Jemma Windsor (3), Mataiah Smith (3), Liminati Tukela (1), Sophia Duggan (1), Rosalie Holderness (1), one goal scorer missing. Central Gauteng B 2: Carolyn Frolich (2).

Boys

KwaZulu-Natal A and Western Province A bagged three wins apiece to finish atop their pools with clean records in the boys’ u14 division of the Schools Water Polo South Africa Inter-Provincial Tournament, which is being contested at Crawford College Lonehill, in Johannesburg.

KZN A cruised to a 14-2 win over Central Gauteng B on Monday. In the game of the day, Western Province A battled past Central Gauteng A, winning a tight contest 6-5.

Zimbabwe, competing in Pool C, racked up their third win on the trot, downing Northerns B 11-4, with nine players getting their names on the scoresheet.

William King, of Northerns A, produced one of the highlights of the day, scoring 10 goals in his side’s 18-3 win over Eastern Gauteng A. Matthew King scored four times in the same match.

The first playoff match on Wednesday, between Central Gauteng B and Northerns A, starts at 08:00.

In the quarterfinals, it’s KwaZulu-Natal A against Buffalo City, Nelson Mandela Bay against KwaZulu-Natal B, Western Province B against Central Gauteng A, and Western Province A versus Zimbabwe.

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Girls

Western Province A finished top of Pool A in the girls’ u14 competition, with three wins from three outings, including an 8-3 defeat of Western Province B on Monday, with Ella Steenkamp scoring half of their goals in that win.

KwaZulu-Natal A topped Pool B after handing Central Gauteng A a convincing 10-5 loss at Roedean School. Ella Chalupsky continued her torrid scoring pace, slotting four times as the home side experienced a first defeat of the tournament.

Zimbabwe, competing in Group C, maintained their unbeaten record, swamping Northerns 15-0 before handing Central Gauteng B a 9-4 defeat.

Tuesday’s playoffs begin at 08:00 at Roedean with Buffalo City facing Central Gauteng B.

The quarterfinals feature Western Province A against Nelson Mandela Bay, KwaZulu-Natal B versus Eastern Gauteng, Western Province B against Central Gauteng A, and KwaZulu-Natal A against Zimbabwe.

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RESULTS

Boys

Zimbabwe 11: Watipa Zvenyika (3), Siphosenkosi Nkomo (1), Christian Lutz (1), Grayson Smith (1), Nathan Woest (1), Tristan Tanner (1), Jared Melvin (1), Joshua Willcox (1), Christopher Ziemann (1). Northerns 4: Ryan Diack (3), Rocco Stapelberg (1).

KwaZulu-Natal A 14: Matthew Warner (4), Cooper Morrison (2), Andrew van Onselen (2), Thomas Ludwig (2), Cai Terblanche (2), Mason Allan (1), Luke Barendse (1). Central Gauteng B 2: Connor Nell (1), Blake Jacobs (1).

KwaZulu-Natal B 10: Matt Swan (5), Thandolwethu Mthethwa (2), Jayden Dellar (1), Eddy Harker (1), Rupert Keeton (1). Buffalo City 2: Reese Buret (1), Duncan van der Merwe (1).

Zimbabwe 16: Christian Ziemann (4), Jared Melvin (3), Nathan Woest (2), Darryl Chiyangwa (2) Joshua Willcox (1), Alexander Tivadar (1), Tristan Tanner (1), Watipa Zvenyika (1), Siphosenkosi Nkomo (1). Eastern Gauteng 6: Luke Robbeson (5), Armand van Waveren (1).

Nelson Mandela Bay 5 (2): Harry Froy (2), Bjorn Maree (1), Anthony Repapis (1), Van Zyl Huisamen (1). Western Province B 5 (1): Ari Bulmer (4), Jude Sive (1).

Western Province A 6: Andrew Eksteen (2), Oliver Muller (1), Jeremy Blake (1), Brett van Schoor (1), Mohamed Meyers (1). Central Gauteng A 5: Sven Stander (2), Logan Baty (1), Justin Ashkar (1), Liam McJannet (1).

Northerns A 18: William King (10), Matthew King (4), Marius Werth (1), Ashton Smith (1), Jurgen Crevits (1), Gideon Marais (1). Eastern Gauteng A 3: Armand van Waveren (1), Luke Robbeson (1), Kai Martin (1).

Zimbabwe B 5: Jared Melvin (2), Siphosenkosi Nkomo (1), Alexander Tividar (1), Tristan Tanner (1). Central Gauteng B 1: Joshua Bennett (1).

Buffalo City 10: Reese Buret (5), Landon van Heerden (2), Matthew Swanepoel (1), Connor McIntyre (1), Timothy Goodwin (1). Northerns A 6: Jan-Louw Koch (2), Ashton Smith (1), Jurgen Crevits (1), Matthew King (1), Hermanus Rossouw (1).

Northerns B 6: Ethan Modena (4), Ryan Diack (1), Rocco Stapelberg (1). Eastern Gauteng 2: Luke Robbeson (2).

Girls

Zimbabwe 15: Danni McCoun (5), Ella Lynton Edwards (3), Ella Passportis (2), Gabriella Borcherds (2), Emily Nesbitt (1), Mwakawashe Mafunga (1), Georgia Jardine (1). Northerns 0.

KwaZulu-Natal B 7 (2): Eva Berichon (3), Tayla McGregor (3), Farren Armour (1). Buffalo City 7 (0): Eva Webber (4), Mackenzie Abrams (1), Hannah Schenk (1), Katie Pickering (1).

KwaZulu-Natal A 10: Ella Chalupsky (4), Lucy Harker (3), Lara Macqueen (1), Cristina van der Walt (1), Aphelele Mhlongo (1). Central Gauteng A 5: Ella Willcox, Kiera Forsdyke (1), Dominique D’Oliveira (1), Taylor-Shay Williams (1), Isabella West (1).

Zimbabwe 9: Georgia Jardine (2), Ella Lynton Edwards (2), Emily Nesbitt (2), Danni McCoun (2), Ella Passportis (1). Central Gauteng B 4: Jemma Cederwall (1), Ella Savage (1), Abigail Pacheco (1), Rachel Walsh (1).

Western Province A 8: Ella Steenkamp (4), Sasha O’Neill (1), Kirsty Collett (1), Sienah Styes (1), Inara Hersov (1). Western Province B 3: Amelia Fury (2), Elizabeth Whitfield (1).

Eastern Gauteng 4 (3): Mila Dos Santos (2), Erin Caminsky (1), Cassidy David (1). Nelson Mandela Bay 4 (2): Arabella Duggan (2), Grace Thomas (2).

Central Gauteng B 9: Alexandra Hodgson-Jervis (3), Ivana Mayer (2), Abigail Pacheco (1), Rachel Walsh (1), Emma Fynn (1), Ella Savage (1). Eden Districts 5: Nellie Hansson (2), Jorja Ogden (2), Emma Loubser (1).

Zimbabwe 7: Ella Passaportis (2), Danni McCoun (2), Tassia Kaschula (1), Gabriella Borcherds (1), Georgia Jardine (1). Buffalo City 4: Katie Pickering (2), Thandi Bosman (1), Mackenzie Abrams (1).

Nelson Mandela Bay 7: Morgan Gous (2), Ava Larter (2), Kara-Linn van Niekerk (1), Hannah Levey (1), Azola Dingaan (1). Central Gauteng B 6: Rachel Walsh (3), Alexandra Hodgson-Jervis (1), Ella Savage (1), Ivana Mayer (1).

Eden Districts 11: Emma Loubser (4), Nellie Hansson (2), Madison Harper (2), Jorja Ogden (1), Mauya Machingura (1), Neveah Koch (1). Northerns 0.

There were no surprises on Monday, day three of the South African Schools Water Polo Inter-Provincial Tournament (IPT), as four of the top u19 boys’ teams booked their places in the quarterfinals.

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It was a long day at the Jubilee Pool at St David’s Marist Inanda, with a number of matches being delayed due to lightning. Some teams, however, escaped the bad weather, with Central Gauteng A, Western Province A (WP) and Nelson Mandela Bay (NMB) making a splash in the morning session.

Central Gauteng A, the defending champions, defeated the Aussie Crocs 20-10, while Western Province A downed KwaZulu-Natal A 12-8 in a key clash, and NMB edged out Central Gauteng B 10-8.

After a nervy start on Saturday, Central Gauteng A found its mojo on Sunday. On Monday, the home side functioned like a well-oiled machine.

They produced a clinical performance to double up the unpredictable Crocs, with James Crick and Aiden Khoury scoring hat-tricks, and Harry Wilkins, Erik Arwidi, Nicholas Searle, Connor McJannet, and Cooper Haworth all netting twice.

That impressive result put to bed any doubts about whether or not Central Gauteng A is a serious contender for the title and the performance left head coach Jon-Marc De Carvalho pleased with his side.

“We started a bit slowly, but I think the team has progressed nicely,” he told SuperSport Schools Plus.

“On Saturday, NMB came out firing, and their crowd was behind them, and that caught our guys off-guard, but that was a good wake-up call.

“The boys stepped up against Buffalo City. We are progressing. I told them that we don’t need to be playing our best ‘polo on the first day. We need to be playing it on the last day.”

The hosts will face Western Province B in the quarterfinals on Tuesday. De Carvalho said they’re not taking any team lightly.

“The tournament really starts tomorrow,” he reckoned. “There are two big games – the quarters and possibly the semis – and if we win both, we w

ill be in the grand final on Wednesday, but it won’t be easy.”

Earlier in the day, Western Province A also secured automatic qualification after outplaying a strong KZN side.

The boys from Cape Town were impressive. They took their chances in front of goal, and restricted KZN with a strong defensive display.

Matt Fenn, Tim Young, and captain Jandro Rojo-Roos contributed 10 goals between them, while Benjamin Bigara, Luke Burger, and Blake Brown were also on the scoresheet. 

For KZN, Thomas Francke and Jamie Nicolau bagged braces, while Nathan Burger, Thomas Aylward, Drew Hollingsworth, and Sebastian Laudenberg also scored. 

Coach Rob Ambler‘s charges made it an interesting contest, but Province delivered the final blow in the fourth chukka to seal the win.

“We knew it was going to be a tough battle, but we had scores to settle from when we played them last year,” coach Devon Card said after the match.

“All the talk was about being mentally switched on and making sure we don’t lose focus in our prep for the game.

“KZN teams are dangerous. We had to make them work for all their goals and keep the tempo up from start to finish. Overall, I’m very happy with the performance today. We ticked a lot of boxes.”

Western Province A finished the group stage unbeaten and top of Pool A. They’ll tackle Buffalo City in the last eight after Buffalo City beat KwaZulu-Natal B in a cross-pool playoff.

“In the knockout stage, every game you treat like a final regardless of who you’re playing against,” Card emphasised. 

“As I’ve said, there are no easy games at IPT. We must make sure we don’t drop our standards, be more ruthless in transition moments, and have the killer instinct.”

Ahead of the tournament, Nelson Mandela Bay carried a “dark horses” tag, and they’ve lived up to it, bringing some excitement to the event.

After a strong showing on Saturday against Central Gauteng A, they defeated Buffalo City in an Eastern Cape derby on Sunday before scoring a 10-8 win over a motivated Central Gauteng B outfit on Monday to finish second in their pool.

It was far from a perfect outing for coach Daniel Ward‘s troops, but a solid first half provided the foundation for their win. 

Dane Paterson was in a league of his own, scoring five times, while Carter Rosser and Spencer Adshade both found the back of the net twice. The St Andrew’s College duo of Calum Emslie and Coel Trollip were also on the scoresheet.

“I’m happy that we are through to the quarters. That’s the first milestone we wanted to achieve,” Ward said after the clash with Central Gauteng B. “In this game, we were in control after the third chukka, but we lost that control in the last chukka. The boys panicked, and the pressure got to them.

“We have built good momentum, but, again, there’s a lot to work on. The quarters and semis are high-pressure games, and we need to be clinical in the small areas.”

NMB will face Northerns for a place in the semifinals.

Despite going down to Western Province A in the first match of the day, KZN also progressed to the last eight with two wins from three matches. They’ll square off against Central Gauteng B at 09:10 on Tuesday.

RESULTS 

Western Province A 12: Matt Fenn (4), Tim Young (3), Jandro Rojo-Roos (3), Benjamin Bigara (1), Luke Burger (1). KwaZulu-Natal A 8: Thomas Francke (2), Jamie Nicolau (2), Nathan Burger (1), Thomas Aylward (1), Drew Hollingsworth (1), Sebastian Laudenberg (1).

Eastern Gauteng 10: Dylan Kempen (3), Riley Nienaber (2), Ethan Kempen (2), Travis Kempen (1), Dino Binks (1), Yuhui Xiao (1). Zimbabwe 8: Tapfuma Taundi (2), Blaise Scheepers (2), Daniel Oxden-Willows (2), Joshua Edwards (1), Donovan Bodington (1).

Central Gauteng A 20: James Crick (4), Aiden Khoury (3), Harry Wilkins (2), Erik Arwidi (2), Nicholas Searle (2), Connor McJannet (2), Cooper Haworth (2), Danilo Giuricich (1), Chris Chapman (1), Fu-Nam Chen (1).  Aussie Crocs 10: Benjamin Spall (4), William Plowman (2), Hudson Dilkes (2), Harry Colley (1), Jack Plowman (1).

Nelson Mandela Bay 10: Dane Paterson (4), Carter Rosser (2), Spencer Adshade (2), Callum Emslie (1), Coel Trollip (1). Central Gauteng B 8: Ryan Morley (2), Craig Toet (2), Mukjetwa Maemu (1), Matthew Cross (1), Luke Shipway (1), David Latilla-Campbell (1).

Northern Gauteng 11: Christiaan Truter (3), Francois Hartslief (2), Oliver Oberholzer (2), Joshua Bergh (1), Ettiene van der Merwe (1), Ruan Engelbrecht (1), Gert Pretorius (1). Western Province B 8: James Pinnock (4), Connor Mortlock (1), Joshua Ripsold (1), Harry Oldham (1), Alex Barrett (1).

Eden Districts 16: William Tindall (7), Luca Whitehead (5), Rorke Bubanj (2), Matthew Eickhaus (2). Eastern Gauteng 8: Dino Binks (2), Dylan Kempen (2), Riley Nienaber (2), Apostoli Apostoleris (1), Travis Kempen (1).

KwaZulu-Natal B 5: Kyle Human (3), Tane Greene, Oliver van der Merwe. Buffalo City 5: Thomas Casewell (3), Daniel Woodin, Joshua Lentz.

Western Province B 11: Connor Mortlock (2), Nicholas Wilson (2), Alex Barrett (2), Harry Oldham (2), James Pinnock, Umr Firfirey, Colin Douglass. Zimbabwe 7: Daniel Oxden-Willows (4), Tapfuma Taundi, Blaise Scheepers, Donovan Bodington.

Aussie Crocs 14: Harry Colley (6), James Martin (3), Hudson Dilkes, Benjamin Spall, Joseph Gallagher, Bonguthixo Cibane, Thomas Elliott. Buffalo City 7: Thomas Caswell (3), Daniel Woodin (3), Matthew Wiseman.

Eden Districts 11: Luca Whitehead (4), Rorke Bubanj (4), Matthew Tindall (2), Jacob Hersch. Eastern Gauteng 8: Dyaln Kempen (3), Travis Kempen, Yuhui Xiao, Matthew Craukamp, Ethan Kempen, Riley Nienaber.

Fixtures, Tuesday, 9 December

07:00 – Central Gauteng A vs Western Province B (Quarterfinal 1)
07:15 – KwaZulu-Natal B vs Zimbabwe @KES
08:05 – Nelson Mandela Bay vs Northern Gauteng (Quarterfinal 2)
09:10 – Central Gauteng B vs KwaZulu-Natal A (Quarterfinal 3)
10:15 – Western Province vs Buffalo City (Quarterfinal 4)
11:20 – Eden vs KwaZulu-Natal B
12:25 – Nelson Mandela Bay vs Aussie Crocs
13:30 – Eastern Gauteng vs Zimbabwe

Boys

KwaZulu-Natal made their case as the team to beat in the boys’ u15 competition at the Schools Water Polo South Africa (SWPSA) Inter-Provincial Tournament by finishing the group stage unbeaten, with their four wins from four games record including an 8-6 win over Western Province A on Monday.

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That was Province’s only loss, but they bounced back at King Edward VII (KES) on Tuesday with an 11-4 win over Buffalo City and an impressive 11-2 shellacking of Central Gauteng A, who, surprisingly, finished bottom of Pool A.

KZN A beat Central Gauteng A 9-4 and Western Province B 12-8 in their last two group games.

Nelson Mandela Bay, who edged out Northerns after a penalty shootout and cruised to a 12-4 win over Central Gauteng B, topped Pool B, with Northerns A in second place on goal difference.

The tournament heads into the playoffs on Wednesday, and the action starts with an Eastern Cape showdown between Buffalo City and Nelson Mandela Bay at 08:30 at KES.

Girls

In the girls’ competition, Buffalo City A and KwaZulu-Natal A ended their respective Pool A and Pool B schedules with clean records after posting important wins on Monday.

Buffalo City, behind three goals from Jodi Carr, shocked Central Gauteng A 5-4, while KZN A showed their class in an emphatic 9-4 win over Western Province A in which Mary Aylward netted four times.

Tuesday’s playoff action at the Wahoo Aquatic Centre gets underway at 08:00, when KwaZulu-Natal B takes on Buffalo City B.

Catch the action LIVE on SuperSport Schools

Buffalo City A tackles Nelson Mandela Bay in the next game, while KZN A is set to face Central Gauteng B at 11:00.

RESULTS

Boys

Zimbabwe 9: Rio Gray (3), Preston Caple (2), Joshua Whaley (1), Ewan Burbidge (1), Ben Lashbrook (1), Luca Simoes (1). Northerns B 1: Adriaan van Schoor (1).

Western Province B 10: Jackson Schliemann (3), James Grout (2), Cole Breytenbach (2), Liam Ripsold (1), Troy Webb (1), James Dimitri-Kark (1). Buffalo City 5: Morgan Erasmus (3), Adam Miles (1), Tristan Buss (1).

Nelson Mandela Bay 5 (2): Jasper Korver (1), Thomas van Oerle (1), Callum Loftus (1), Caleb Horne (1), Malachi Smith (1). Northerns A 5 (1): Mark Lindeboom (2), Franco van der Merwe (2), Harrison Oberholzer (1).

KwaZulu-Natal 9: Lincoln Burger (3), Josh Watson (2), Cruz Chapman (2), Cristiano Sandri (1), Dru Mills (1). Central Gauteng A 4: Christopher Davidson (2), Dominic Teixeira (1), James Simpson (1).

Eden Districts 5: Jake Wood (4), Shiloh Davidson (1). Northerns B 2: Michiel Smit (1), Barend de Wet (1).

Central Gauteng B 9: Jonah Teeling-Smith (4), Tai Hanslo (3), Daniel Hann (1), Regan Ross (1). Zimbabwe 5: Luca Simoes (2), Preston Caple (1), Nathaniel Jerahuni (1), Ben Lashbrook (1).

Western Province A 11: Samuel Bigara (4), Lukah Charalambous (2), Adam Maggott (2), Jamie Thomason (1), Nathan Corlett (1), Blake Galpin (1). Buffalo City 4: Riley Owen (2), Morgan Erasmus (1), Kennedy Makelele (1).

Northerns A 11: Harrison Oberholzer (2), Thomas Buys (2), Joshua Jansen van Vuuren (2), Dian Venter (1), Jaden Sparkham (1), Stegmann Joone (1), Franco van der Merwe (1), Mark Lindeboom (1). Northerns B 1: Ryan Opper (1).

KwaZulu-Natal 12: Dru Mills (3), Lincoln Burger (3), Josh Watson (2), Cruz Chapman (1), Mitchel Rodgers (1), Oliver Hunter (1), Carter Seiler (1). Western Province B 8: Liam Ripsold (2), Janno Botha (2), Troy Webb (2), Matthew van Graan (1), Izak Pretorius (1).

Nelson Mandela Bay 12: Jasper Korver (3), Thomas van Oerle (2), Caleb Horne (2), Callum Loftus (1), Daniel Lokotsch (1), Zethan Basson (1), Benjamin Rutherfoord (1), Sean Scott (1). Central Gauteng B 4: Alexander Carle (1), Regan Ross (1), Tai Hanslo (1), Michael Snyman (1).

Western Province A 11: Samuel Bigara (2), Adam Maggott (2), Lukah Charalambous (2), Zazi Mkandawire (1), Nathan Corlett (1), Ross Briers-Danks (1), Blake Galpin (1), Jamie Thomason (1). Central Gauteng A 2: Adam Houghton (1), Christopher Davidson (1).

Northerns A 12: Franco van der Merwe (3), Mark Lindeboom (3), Stegmann Joone (2), Harrison Oberholzer (1), Joshua Jansen van Vuuren (1), Jaden Sparkham (1), André de Kock (1) Eden Districts 5: Riley Porter-Fleet (2), Heinrich Smit (1), Colbyn Parr (1), Shiloh Davidson (1).

Girls

KwaZulu-Natal B 14: Frankie Dewe (4), Jessica Meekin (3), Jessica Commins (2), Casey Huntley (1), Briana Felt (1), Chloe Pomakov (1), Alexis Otto (1), Sarah Uys (1). Eastern Gauteng 2: Ila Chidley (1), Chloe Regnard (1).

Buffalo City A 5: Jodi Carr (3), Hannah Hattingh (1), Emily Hattingh (1). Central Gauteng A 4: Alexis James (1), Kristen Bratby (1), Megan Crossley (1), Rachel Hardy (1).

KwaZulu-Natal A 9: Mary Aylward (4), Mikayla Morrison (2), Makayla Ojo (1), Mikaela Russell (1), Anri Human (1). Western Province A 4: Shella Nortje (2), Isabella Batistich (1), Tayla Bosman (1).

KwaZulu-Natal B 3: Alexis Otto (1), Sarah Uys (1), Chloe Pomakov (1). Buffalo City B 2: Madison Klopstra (1), Rebecca Barnard (1).

Central Gauteng B 3 (2): Erin Boyd (1), Millicent Quinn (1), Emma Clowes (1). Western Province B 3 (1): Zara Le Feuvre (2), Emma Jones (1).

Zimbabwe 6: Lexie Kaschula (2), Kiah Smyth (1), Kristin Jones (1), Emily Lutz (1), Lola Accorsi (1). Nelson Mandela Bay 5: Shannon Hobson (2), Lily Collins (1), Zoe Kennedy (1), Lily Nepgen (1).

Buffalo City B 3: Zoey van Niekerk (1), Rebecca Barnard (1), Madison Klopstra (1). Central Gauteng B 2: Emmie-May Harrison (1), Emily Muller (1).

Central Gauteng B 5: Emma Clowes (2), Erin Boyd (2), Cayla Midlane (1). KwaZulu-Natal B 4: Jessica Meekin (2), Chloe Pomakov (1), Akabongwe Sibeta (1).

Nelson Mandela Bay 11: Kyla-Linke Seyffert (3), Danica Smith (2), Hayleigh Frame (2), Shannon Hobson (1), Lily Nepgen (1), Lisa Langenhoven (1), Jemimah Akpan (1). Buffalo City B 3: Zoey van Niekerk (1), Tyler-Jade Roebert (1), Rebecca Barnard (1).

Central Gauteng B 8: Oagile Tema (3), Sara Hutton (2), Emily Muller (2), Kasia Morris (1). Eastern Gauteng 2: Chloe Regnard (2).

Sunday’s action at the CSA u17 Rural Week, taking place in Mpumalanga, involved the semi-finals in the Cup, Plate, and Bowl competitions, with the top four sides from the group stage contesting the Cup.

Each of the second placed teams from the groups, which comprised three sides each, moved into the Plate semis, while the third placed units shifted their attention to the Bowl.

Cup semi-finals

Limpopo and the Lions delivered an edge-of-the-seat semi-final, which was decided by the slimmest of margins.

Batting first, Limpopo narrowly failed to reach triple figures, accumulating 97/9 after their 20 overs. Opener Marcus Ngobeni was their leading run scorer, making 27 from 34 balls, while Tshepo Matsaneng claimed 3/6 in two overs for the Lions.

Needing to bat at 4.9 runs per over to win, the Lions mustered 4.8. They just missed out on forcing a Super Over, totalling 96/8, one run shy of levelling the scores.

Frederik Botes, Luhan Drotskie and Tiaan Haasbroek took two wickets apiece, but Limpopo let themselves down by giving away 18 extras, 16 of which were wides. That very nearly cost them a place in the final.

It was a first loss for the Lions, and it leaves Boland and Limpopo as the only unbeaten teams heading into the title game, where only one of them will finish the Rural Week undefeated.

In the semi-final between Boland and the Northern Cape, Luhan Noeth came in at five and struck 29 in an otherwise barren innings of 64 all out for the Northern Cape.

The trio of Karel Hugo, Bryan Cochrane and Chris Hughes were near unplayable at times, with Cochrane capturing 3/11 in four overs, while Hughes snapped up 2/8 in two overs. Between them, they dismissed four of the first five batsmen.

Later, Hugo’s 4/24 ensured there would be no fight back from the Northern Cape.

Liam Laing did everything he could to defend a sub-standard total, knocking over 4/2 in his four overs. However, his fellow Northern Cape bowlers weren’t able to produce the support Laing required to help lead his side to an improbable victory. Candin Coetzee’s 1/2 in one over was the only other dent in Boland’s run chase.

It took the Western Cape side 13 overs to reach 65/5, with opener Noah Goliath‘s 19 off 24 their top score.

Plate semi-finals

There was another low scoring game in the Plate semi-finals, where Onalenna Maphoso got the North West off to a great start against KZN Coastal by nabbing 4/7 in four overs. No batsmen made it into double figures as the KZN boys tumbled to 57 all out in the last of their 20 overs.

André Dreyer, who has been North West’s mainstay with the bat and ball throughout the tournament, led their run pursuit, top scoring with 32 off 23 balls.

There was a slight hiccup towards the end of the North West innings when Veolan Palavar collected 2/1 in one over, but, after 12 overs, they won by four wickets when they reached 58/6.

In an Eastern Cape derby, Eastern Province (EP) posted a substantial total of 176/8 against Kei.

In at three, Chris Zimmerman blasted five sixes and two fours in an impressive 64 off 34. He was well supported by opener Keagan Jattiem, who cracked four sixes and two fours in his 40 off 25. Together, the pair added a hasty 65 off 37 for the second wicket.

Despite EP’s strong performance at the crease, Bulumko Didi excelled for Kei, taking 4/16.

The contest turned into a rout when Kei’s batting folded with little resistance for only 22. Jordan Damons continued his excellent wicket-taking form, recording figures of 3/7 in four overs, while Andrew Muir, Enrique Strydom and Ockert Du Preez all picked up two wickets each as EP bounded to a massive 154-run win.

Shield semi-finals

Free State took on the hosts, Mpumalanga, in the Shield semi-finals and rode opener Aiden Hewitt‘s excellent innings to 115/6 and, eventually, victory by 38 runs. Hewitt’s contribution was 51 from 41 balls, with four fours and a six, and it was, also, 30 runs more than the next highest score attained by a batsman in the match.

Logan Schutte shone for the home side, sending four batsmen packing for only 12 runs from his four overs.

However, Mpumalanga’s run chase never really got going and they were restricted to just 77/9 in reply. Dumisani Johnson picked up 3/32 and Zander Fourie snared 2/11, both in four overs, to lead Free State’s effort in the field.

They’ll face the Eastern Cape Iinyathi in the Shield final after the boys from the Border region comfortably accounted for KZN Inland.

The bowlers continued to rule the roost when Inland batted first. Opener Devon Earle provided their only score above 20, tallying 24 off 25, as the KZN team was bowled out for only 76 after 19.3 overs.

Zingce Poni and Milani Manya did most of the damage for the Iinyahti. Poni bagged 3/17 in two overs, while Manya returned 2/11 from four.

While KZN Inland struggled at the crease, the Iinyathi didn’t. It took them only 9.2 overs to race to 80/3 and a seven-wicket victory.

Manya followed up his miserly bowling performance with an aggressive batting display, which brought him an undefeated 47 from just 24 balls, including three fours and four sixes.

Summarised Scorecards

Limpopo 97/9 (Marcus Ngobeni 27; Tshepo Matsaneng 3/6, Ruan Coetzer 2/22); Lions 96/8 (Frederik Botes 2/16, Tiaan Haasbroek 2/17, Luhan Drotskie 2/17). Limpopo won by one run.

Northern Cape 64/10 (Louhan Noeth 29; Karel Hugo 4/10, Bryan Cochrane 3/11, Chris Hughes 2/8); Boland 65/5 (Liam Liang 4/2). Boland won by five wickets.

KZN Coastal 57/10 (Onalenna Maphoso 4/7, André Dreyer 2/5); North West 58/6 (André Dreyer 32; Veolan Palavar 2/1). North West won by four wickets.

Free State 115/6 (Aiden Hewitt 51; Logan Schutte 4/12); Mpumalanga 77/9 (Hendré Nel 21; Dumisani Johnson 3/23, Zander Fourie 2/11). Free State won by 38 runs.

Eastern Province 176/8 (Chris Zimmerman 64, Keagan Jattiem 40, Andrew Muir 20; Bulumko Didi 4/16, Luthando Gwazela 2/16); Border Kei 22/10 (Jordan Damons 3/7, Enrique Strydom 2/1, Andrew Muir 2/3, Ockert Du Preez 2/10). Eastern Province won by 154 runs.

KZN Inland 76/10 (Devon Earle 24; Zingce Poni 3/17, Milani Manya 2/11); Eastern Cape Iinyathi 80/3 (Milani Manya 47*; Stuart Talanda 2/15). Eastern Cape Iinyathi won by seven wickets.